SEARCH 2020TECH CONTENTS

Pages

Mercedes-Benz 500E: This Car Is one of the Best Sedans in the 1990s

The Mercedes-Benz 500E was an odd duck. It was a totally hand-built V8-powered performance version of the company's W124 E-Class sedan, assembled by Porsche in its then-idle 959 factory. Everything about it screams 1990s, from the boxy looks, to the simple interior, to the primitive four-speed automatic transmission.

Unlike some cars, the 500E has aged impressively well. That subtle yet aggressive squared-off design is timeless, and that unique Porsche connection means the car is still a blast to drive. Plus, with a 326-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 under the hood, it sounds great too.

Matt Farah of The Smoking Tire got his hands on a 500E, and finds driving it is an extremely enjoyable experience, despite his example's 160,000-mile odometer reading. The combination of looks, power, comfort, handling, and sound all come together to form one solid block of Mercedes goodness.

Watch for yourself to see what Farah thinks of one of the greatest 1990s sedans.